Abuja, Africa – The West African Elders Forum (WAEF) has issued a strong call to African leaders, urging them to prioritize the welfare, peace, and security of their citizens as a fundamental aspect of governance.
This appeal aims to strengthen democracy across the continent and reduce the likelihood of coups and unconstitutional changes in government.
The message was delivered during a ‘State of Democracy’ webinar organized by WAEF, an initiative of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF).
Participants at the event discussed the challenges faced by democratic governance in West Africa and explored strategies to advance democracy amidst the concerning trend of coup d’états.
In a statement released by Mr. Wealth Ominabo, the Communications Officer for WAEF, the theme of the webinar was revealed as “Making Meaning of Democratic Reversals in West Africa.”
During the virtual meeting, speakers highlighted the importance of governments and regional bodies investing in initiatives that focus on citizens’ needs, thereby creating a protective shield against threats to democracy.
They emphasized the necessity of strengthening democratic frameworks within countries to ensure accountability and the conduct of free and credible elections.
The panelists also acknowledged a decline in the region’s democratic values due to governance issues, leading to frustration and a trust deficit between citizens and their governments.
In response, they called for a reevaluation of democracy in Africa to address contemporary realities and regain public trust.
Former Vice President Fatoumata Tambajang of The Gambia, a participant in the discussion, attributed the region’s democratic setbacks to political leaders’ failure to uphold the values of democracy and fulfill their political promises.
She stressed the need to reevaluate democracy within the African context and identify the root causes of democratic decline.
